Microsoft Deactivates Copies of Windows 10 Due to Server Problem

By
Matthew Humphries9 Nov 2018, 4 p.m.

Something went very wrong with Microsoft's activation servers yesterday, which resulted in licensed copies of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise informing users they need to go and buy a genuine copy of Windows again.

Some Windows 10 users got a nasty surprise yesterday when Microsoft informed them their copy of Windows wasn't licensed anymore. But don't worry, it was an issue with Microsoft servers, not your copy of Windows.

As ZDNet reports, some users of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise yesterday started having a "non-activated software" message pop up on their desktop. These were legal copies of Windows, but the message stated Windows 10 needed to be reverted back to the Home edition or the user could purchase a genuine copy of the operating system to continue using the more feature-rich versions.

Some of the affected users took the appropriate step of contacting Microsoft support for help, but that just resulted in support staff confirming the message was correct and a purchase was required. Unfortunately, some users went as far as paying for Windows again or opted to revert back to Windows 10 Home.

Microsoft support owes these users an apology as the activations were legitimate, it was Microsoft's servers that were wrong. Jeff Jones, Senior Director at Microsoft, confirmed there was a problem by telling ZDNet that "We're working to restore product activations for the limited number of affected Windows 10 Pro customers."

No further explanation has been forthcoming as to what happened, but at 9pm ET yesterday Jones followed up on his earlier comment stating, "Affected customers will see resolution over the next 24 hours as the solution is applied automatically. In the meantime, they can continue to use Windows 10 Pro as usual."

One of the reasons people increasingly despise digital rights management is because even if you are running legal software, a server can malfunction and take access to your software with it. Windows 10 activations are no different. There's regular checks to see if your desktop or laptop is legal, and if something goes wrong your license activation can be forgotten about. It seems unlikely that situation is going to change anytime soon.

About the Author

Matthew is PCMag's UK-based editor and news reporter. Prior to joining the team, he spent 14 years writing and editing content on our sister site Geek.com and has covered most areas of technology, but is especially passionate about games tech. Alongside PCMag, he's a freelance video game designer. Matthew holds a BSc degree in Computer Science from Birmingham University and a Masters in Computer Games Development from Abertay University. See Full Bio